BIOL424-17S2 (C) Semester Two 2017

Community Ecology

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 17 July 2017
End Date: Sunday, 19 November 2017
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 30 July 2017
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 15 October 2017

Description

To develop skills in the critique of literature and formulation and testing of hypotheses within the field of community ecology.

The aim of this course is to investigate fundamental aspects of community ecology—the
study of interactions between two or more species and their environment. The course
will be of value to anyone interested in biodiversity, global environmental change, and
ecological theory. Major themes include food web ecology, metacommunities,
determinants of community structure, community assembly, species interactions in
diverse assemblages, and threats to biodiversity.

Given the strong conceptual basis of the course material, we will often present topics via
a mix of both theoretical (modelling) and empirical research when possible. Although a
strong background in mathematics isn’t required, we do expect that you will make an
earnest effort to dissect equations and models and be able to explain what they show in
plain English.


Recommended preparatory course(s): BIOL377, BIOL378 or BIOL375

Learning Outcomes

  • As a student in this course, I will develop the ability to:
  • Understand the interplay between theoretical and empirical approaches to community
    ecology.
  • Link an understanding of the structure and function of diverse assemblages with the
    fundamental ecological theories that underpin this structure.
  • Be able to critically review scientific literature, including theoretical studies.
  • Develop the intellectual freedom to think critically about scientific issues.
  • Understand the keys to formulating a research question and designing a research
    programme.
  • Be able to synthesise, using evidence and reasoning, a key ecological concept from
    basic principles.

    Transferable Skills Register
    As a student in this course, I will develop the following skills:
  • Performing original research. From the outside, undertaking original research can
    appear straightforward but the reality is anything but. By conducting a research project,
    the student will understand the ins and outs of research—including its pitfalls—in a direct
    fashion, better preparing them for the challenges ahead in a work environment.
  • Synthesising information. In everyday life and in many job situations you will be
    required to read information from different sources, construct your own understanding
    and shape your own viewpoint. In tutorials, we will discuss recent research papers in a
    group environment and this will develop your abilities to identify the essential elements
    of research outputs and to build upon them in your own project.
  • Written and verbal communication. Clear written communication is essential for most
    professional careers, and communicating verbally to a range of audiences is also critical
    in any area of endeavour.

Prerequisites

Subject to approval of the Head of School.

Restrictions

BIOL471

Course Coordinator

For further information see School of Biological Sciences Head of Department

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Talking points 5%
Outline 5%
Research Project 50%
Final take home test 40%

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $993.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see School of Biological Sciences .

All BIOL424 Occurrences

  • BIOL424-17S2 (C) Semester Two 2017
Next year